System and method for maintaining graphs having a policy engine and blockchain

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processing system including a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations. The operations include: identifying a set of one or more graphs in a blockchain ledger, wherein each graph of the set of one or more graphs comprises a set of one or more nodes and a graph permission level, wherein each node in the set of one or more nodes comprises a unique identifier, a node permission level, data and zero or more edges, wherein each edge in the zero or more edges defines a relationship between the node and another node in the set of one or more nodes, wherein the node permission level defines a prerequisite to access the data, the node permission level, or the zero or more edges, and wherein the graph permission level defines a prerequisite to access the set of one or more nodes; receiving a request from equipment utilized by a user to access first data in one or more nodes in a first graph, comparing a user permission of the user to a first permission level of the first graph to ensure that the user permission meets or exceeds the first permission level; applying rules of a rules engine to ensure that the user permission meets or exceeds a second permission level defined by the rules; and providing security keys to the equipment utilized by the user responsive to the user permission meeting or exceeding the first permission level and the second permission level, wherein the security keys provide access to the first data. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/428,322 filed May 31, 2019. The contents of each of the foregoing arehereby incorporated by reference into this application as if set forthherein in full.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a system and method for maintaininggraphs having a policy engine and blockchain.

BACKGROUND

Centralized management of security permissions for access to node/edgedata for a graph is disconnected from the data source, therebyincreasing the potential for hacking and without the ability to re-traceand inspect the current source permissions. Once data is removed fromits source, chain of custody is broken. If security permissions for agraph at the data source change, such changes are not propagated toother graphs that include the graph, i.e., supergraphs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system for maintaining graphs having a policy engine andblockchain functioning within the communication network of FIG. 1 inaccordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2B depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 250 in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative embodiment of combining graphs intosupergraphs in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2D depicts node permission levels of graphs before combining intosupergraphs in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2E depicts graph information stored in a blockchain ledger inaccordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2F depicts additional graph information stored in a blockchainledger in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for maintaining graphs using a rules engine and a blockchainledger. Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a processingsystem including a processor and a memory that stores executableinstructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitateperformance of operations. The operations include: identifying a set ofone or more graphs in a blockchain ledger, wherein each graph of the setof one or more graphs comprises a set of one or more nodes and a graphpermission level, wherein each node in the set of one or more nodescomprises a unique identifier, a node permission level, data and zero ormore edges, wherein each edge in the zero or more edges defines arelationship between the node and another node in the set of one or morenodes, wherein the node permission level defines a prerequisite toaccess the data, the node permission level, or the zero or more edges,and wherein the graph permission level defines a prerequisite to accessthe set of one or more nodes; receiving a request from equipmentutilized by a user to access first data in one or more nodes in a firstgraph; comparing a user permission of the user to a first permissionlevel of the first graph to ensure that the user permission meets orexceeds the first permission level; applying rules of a rules engine toensure that the user permission meets or exceeds a second permissionlevel defined by the rules; and providing security keys to the equipmentutilized by the user responsive to the user permission meeting orexceeding the first permission level and the second permission level,wherein the security keys provide access to the first data.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method ofreceiving, by a processing system including a processor, a request fromequipment utilized by a user to access first data in one or more nodesin a first graph; comparing, by the processing system, a user permissionof the user to a first permission level of the first graph to ensurethat the user permission meets or exceeds the first permission level;applying, by the processing system, rules of a rules engine recorded ina blockchain ledger to ensure that the user permission meets or exceedsa second permission level defined by the rules; providing, by theprocessing system, security keys to the equipment responsive to the userpermission meeting or exceeding the first permission level and thesecond permission level, wherein the security keys provide access to thefirst data; and recording, by the processing system, a transaction inthe blockchain ledger corresponding to the access of the first data.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a machine-readablemedium storing executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations. The operations include: receiving a request from a user tocreate a supergraph from a first graph and a second graph; comparing auser permission of the user to a first permission level of the firstgraph and a second permission level of the second graph to ensure thatthe user permission meets or exceeds the first permission level and thesecond permission level; applying rules of a rules engine recorded in ablockchain ledger to ensure that the user permission meets or exceeds athird permission level defined by the rules; providing security keys tothe equipment responsive to the user permission meeting or exceeding thefirst permission level and the second permission level and the thirdpermission level, wherein the security keys provide access to the firstgraph and the second graph; and recording a transaction in theblockchain ledger corresponding to a creation of the supergraph.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a communications network 100 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. For example,communications network 100 can facilitate in whole or in part datacommunications between node/edge custodians 201-204, distributedprocessors 211-215 and end user equipment 240 illustrated in FIG. 2A. Inparticular, a communications network 125 is presented for providingbroadband access 110 to a plurality of data terminals 114 via accessterminal 112, wireless access 120 to a plurality of mobile devices 124and vehicle 126 via base station or access point 122, voice access 130to a plurality of telephony devices 134, via switching device 132 and/ormedia access 140 to a plurality of audio/video display devices 144 viamedia terminal 142. In addition, communication network 125 is coupled toone or more content sources 175 of audio, video, graphics, text and/orother media. While broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voiceaccess 130 and media access 140 are shown separately, one or more ofthese forms of access can be combined to provide multiple accessservices to a single client device (e.g., mobile devices 124 can receivemedia content via media terminal 142, data terminal 114 can be providedvoice access via switching device 132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system for maintaining graphs having a policy engine andblockchain functioning within the communication network of FIG. 1 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. As shown in FIG. 2A,system 200 comprises a plurality of node/edge custodians 201-204, ablockchain ledger 210 maintained by a plurality of distributedprocessors 211-215, a rules engine 220, and a user permissions database230. Also disclosed is an end user equipment 240, an unauthenticatedtransaction 241, a blockchain decision 242, a deny result 243 and anauthorized result 244.

FIG. 2A also discloses four node/edge custodians 201-204, forillustrative purposes only. System 200 may comprise more or lesscustodians. Each custodian of the plurality of node/edge custodians201-204 may store one or more graphs. A graph comprises a set of one ormore nodes and a graph permission level. The graph permission leveldefines a prerequisite to access the set of one or more nodes. Each nodein the set of one or more nodes comprises a unique identifier, a nodepermission level, data and zero or more edges. An edge defines arelationship between the node and another node in the set of one or morenodes. The node permission level defines a prerequisite to access thedata, the node permission level, or the zero or more edges. In anembodiment, any graph may be distributed across the one or morenode/edge custodians 201-204.

The blockchain ledger 210 is maintained by one or more distributedprocessors 211-215. FIG. 2A shows five distributed processors joined ina blockchain network, for illustrative purposes only. System 200 maycomprise one or more processors, but preferably more than one processor.Recording a data transaction, such as recording a supergraph, in theblockchain ledger 210 provides three useful attributes:decentralization, transparency, and immutability.

Decentralization provides many advantages for a data validation andcontrol system. When examining a set of systems sharing data fromdifferent sources, the system must scale for growth, while maintainingreliability by avoiding a single point of failure. Decentralizationallows multiple graph databases to work together without any singlemachine, holding all transactions and data accesses.

Transparency provides for building a chain of trust that the data isboth unaltered and is being properly handled. A node/edge custodian201-204 can see all uses of the data and processes to ensure complianceby systems not directly under the custodian's control. Alternatively, adata user can verify that the information comes from a trusted sourceand can see all transformations and manipulations that have occurred tothe data, from start to finish.

Immutability guarantees the chain of custody is well preserved. Becauseeach data transaction, including query, join, modification, etc.,creates a transaction recorded in a new block that describes what wasdone to the data, and what resulted, a clean, secure audit trail existsfor all node/graph access. The blockchain ledger 210 is able towithstand fraudulent transactions lacking in authority, because each ofthe distributed processors 211-215 must agree that the transaction isvalid. At any time, any processor of the distributed processors 211-215can verify the integrity of a block recorded in the blockchain ledger210 by requesting a copy of the hash values in the blockchain ledger 210and comparing the hash values in the block with that recorded in theblockchain ledger 210, thus ensuring the immutability of the data andpreventing a fraudulent transaction.

By using a hash in the blockchain ledger 210, maintained by a trustedentity in a semi-private fashion, the blockchain is distinguishable frommore traditional, public blockchain technology that require complexcryptographic hash generation and greater latency (e.g., approximatelyten minutes per block for bitcoin). The use of simple cryptographic hashgeneration algorithms reduces latency and ensures that transactions canbe rapidly recorded and meet the demand of system 200. Unlike proof ofwork incorporated into the trustless consensus of the bitcoin scheme,which creates a blockchain that must remain unaltered forever, a simplecryptographic hash is sufficient to prevent fraud. Hence, by using aprivate blockchain network, there is no requirement for proof of work(a.k.a., mining, with respect to bitcoin), as the private network issecure.

The blockchain ledger 210 also allows data normally held inside an ITenvironment and secured by overall access controls and individualencryption keys, to be provided outside of the IT environment. Thisimproves secure sharing of information and processes with partnerinstitutions. Additional features typically found in blockchain systemsmay be easily implemented, such as private keys, cryptographic blockhashes, etc., to enhance the security of information recorded in theblockchain ledger 210 by the distributed processors 211-215.

In addition to the blockchain ledger 210, a rules engine 220 provides away to ensure that certain combinations of nodes/edges have enhancedsecurity, even when individual node/edge custodians are unaware of theenhancement to security. The application of rules provided by rulesengine 220 to the final authorization of access to a requestor ofnodes/edge information can also be used to inform the distributedprocessors 211-215 to update the blockchain ledger 210 accordingly.Hence, the rules engine 220 may provide security policies concerning thedata stored by node/edge custodians 201-204, but the blockchain ledger210 is used to track, sign and validate each transaction.

The user permissions database 230 provides a security level for eachuser that seeks access to data held by the node/edge custodians 201-204.When a user on an end user equipment 240 submits an unauthenticatedtransaction 241 to access data stored by a graph, the distributedprocessors 211-215 can compare the user permission level to the requiredgraph permission level or node permission level set forth by thenode/edge custodian 201-204 storing the data. In an embodiment, anunauthenticated transaction 241 may be a transaction for viewing thedata of a first node in the first graph, adding a new node to the firstgraph, defining an edge between a first node and a second node in thefirst graph, modifying data of a first node in the first graph, changingthe first permission level of the first graph, or a combination thereof.

The unauthenticated transaction 241, along with user privilege levelfrom the user permissions database 230, are submitted to the distributedprocessors 211-215 that record blockchain transactions in the blockchainledger 210. In an embodiment, the user privilege levels are provided byan independent path. The blockchain ledger 210 is updated to reflect thetransaction.

Upon unanimous authorization from the distributed processors 211-215, afinal check of permissions associated with the rules engine 220 areperformed and a blockchain decision 242 is rendered. If denied, the useris provided with a deny result 243. If affirmed, the user is providedwith an authorized result 244 including temporary, encryption keys todecipher the node/edge information. In an embodiment, the rules engine220 can only be used to increase required permission levels, ifnecessary. For instance, customer name and location data can beindependent, single security/permission level but when combined, thedata becomes sensitive, personally identifiable information, requiring ahigher level of access. Therefore, even if each node/edge custodianwould authorize the transaction, the transaction may still be denied ifthe requestor's access level is insufficient per the rules engine 220.

As part of authenticating the transaction, an identifier for everynode/edge is provided to the distributed processors 211-215. A chain ofcustody is used to request the current permission level for each datumor data type requested. This process ensures that the most currentpermissions are used. At any time, ownership of any node/edge can changeand can be updated in the blockchain ledger 210 such that subsequenttransaction requests are sent to a new owner.

After the transaction is authenticated, every processor of thedistributed processors 211-215 will update their copy of the blockchainledger 210. The recording provides evidence of the transaction andidentifiers regarding the nodes/graphs. Each owner will be assigned asigning key that can be used to mark incoming data, which will work as aroot for transactions recorded in the blockchain ledger 210. Eachtransaction (joining/adding/deleting/updating) on data within the system200, will create a new certificate that is self-verifying and consistentwithin the blockchain ledger 210.

FIG. 2B depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 250 in accordancewith various aspects described herein. As shown in FIG. 2B, in step 251,a user on an end user equipment 240 sends a request to the distributedprocessors 211-215 to access data, for example, to combine two or moregraphs. In step 252, the distributed processors 211-215 authenticate thetransaction.

In step 253, the distributed processors 211-215 provide encryption keysthat permit the end user equipment 240 to access the data. In step 254,the end user equipment 240 accesses the data. For example, the end userdevice combines the two or more graphs.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2B, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative embodiment of combining graphs(subgraphs) into supergraphs in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein. FIG. 2C illustrates three graphs: subgraph A in red,subgraph B in blue, and subgraph C in green. Supergraph X is formed bycombining subgraph B and subgraph C. The combination is accomplished byjoining a node in subgraph B with a node in subgraph C with an edge.Supergraph Y is formed by combining subgraph A and supergraph X. Thecombination is achieved by merging a node held in common between the twographs, or alternatively by merging two nodes, one in each graph,together into a single node.

FIG. 2D depicts node permission levels of graphs before combining intosupergraphs in accordance with various aspects described herein. Asshown in FIG. 2D, each of nodes and edges in a graph of the graphs A, B& C have a unique identifier, and a matching permission level. Thepermission levels of each graph are different.

FIG. 2E depicts graph information stored in a blockchain ledger 210 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. As shown in FIG. 2E,each row comprises a transaction identifier for a transaction creatingor updating a graph, the date of the transaction, and the owner of thetransaction. Also illustrated is a row identifying the creation ofsupergraph X, thereby recording the supergraph in the blockchain ledger210. In an embodiment, the supergraph X can have a new permission levelthat matches a highest permission level of subgraph B and subgraph C.

FIG. 2F depicts additional graph information stored in a blockchainledger 210 in accordance with various aspects described herein. As shownin FIG. 2F, another row in the blockchain ledger illustrates thecreation of supergraph Y.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of communicationnetwork 100, the subsystems and functions of system 200, and method 250presented in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F and 3. For example,virtualized communication network 300 can facilitate in whole or in partnode/edge custodians 201-204 and/or distributed processors 211-215illustrated in FIG. 2A.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general-purpose processors or general-purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1), suchas an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it iselastic: so, the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized and might require special DSP code andanalog front ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements do not typically need toforward large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributedacross a number of servers—each of which adds a portion of thecapability, and which creates an overall elastic function with higheravailability than its former monolithic version. These virtual networkelements 330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managed using anorchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from thesethird-party locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 400 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 400 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented viacomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combinationof hardware and software. For example, computing environment 400 canfacilitate in whole or in part node/edge custodians 201-204 and/ordistributed processors 211-215 illustrated in FIG. 2A.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed processing environment where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed processing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM),flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4, the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors andout—anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks useradio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) toprovide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi networkcan be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and towired networks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networksoperate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or withproducts that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks canprovide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wiredEthernet networks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example, platform 510 can facilitatein whole or in part node/edge custodians 201-204, distributed processors211-215 and/or end user equipment 240 illustrated in FIG. 2A. In one ormore embodiments, the mobile network platform 510 can generate andreceive signals transmitted and received by base stations or accesspoints such as base station or access point 122. Generally, mobilenetwork platform 510 can comprise components, e.g., nodes, gateways,interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms, which facilitate bothpacket-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol (IP), frame relay,asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and circuit-switched (CS) traffic(e.g., voice and data), as well as control generation for networkedwireless telecommunication. As a non-limiting example, mobile networkplatform 510 can be included in telecommunications carrier networks andcan be considered carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein.Mobile network platform 510 comprises CS gateway node(s) 512 which caninterface CS traffic received from legacy networks like telephonynetwork(s) 540 (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), orpublic land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7)network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 can authorize and authenticatetraffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CSgateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, or roaming, data generatedthrough SS7 network 560; for instance, mobility data stored in a visitedlocation register (VLR), which can reside in memory 530. Moreover, CSgateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PSgateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gatewaynode(s) 512 can be realized at least in part in gateway GPRS supportnode(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that functionality and specificoperation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PS gateway node(s) 518, and servingnode(s) 516, is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilizedby mobile network platform 510 for telecommunication over a radio accessnetwork 520 with other devices, such as a radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WANs 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bymobile network platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through mobile network platform 510 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512and PS gateway node(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to mobilenetwork platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1(s)that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processors canexecute code instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It shouldbe appreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5, and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part node/edgecustodians 201-204, distributed processors 211-215 and/or end userequipment 240 illustrated in FIG. 2A.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, Wi-Fi, DECT,or cellular communication technologies, just to mention a few(Bluetooth® and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth®Special Interest Group and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellulartechnologies can include, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS,TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generationwireless communication technologies as they arise. The transceiver 602can also be adapted to support circuit-switched wireline accesstechnologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wireline accesstechnologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high-volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, or otherwireless access points by sensing techniques such as utilizing areceived signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival(TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 canutilize computing technologies such as a microprocessor, a digitalsignal processor (DSP), programmable gate arrays, application specificintegrated circuits, and/or a video processor with associated storagememory such as Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologiesfor executing computer instructions, controlling, and processing datasupplied by the aforementioned components of the communication device600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only and doesnot otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” “data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed processingenvironment where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed processing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for carrying out various embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x₁, x₂, x₃, x₄ . . .x_(n)), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed processing environment, and/or across a network such as theInternet with other systems via the signal). As another example, acomponent can be an apparatus with specific functionality provided bymechanical parts operated by electric or electronic circuitry, which isoperated by a software or firmware application executed by a processor,wherein the processor can be internal or external to the apparatus andexecutes at least a part of the software or firmware application. As yetanother example, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or.” That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”“subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” “data storage,”“database,” and substantially any other information storage componentrelevant to operation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to,” “coupledto,” and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for maintaining graphs, comprising: a plurality of node/edge custodians comprising a memory for storing one or more graphs; a blockchain ledger maintained by two or more distributed processors, wherein the blockchain ledger records transactions performed on the one or more graphs; a trusted entity that maintains cryptographic hashes for the blockchain ledger; and a user permission database, wherein at least one of the two or more distributed processors perform operations comprising: receiving an unauthenticated transaction from a user equipment to access data stored by the one or more graphs; retrieving a graph permission level provided by the plurality of node/edge custodians for the one or more graphs; retrieving a user privilege level from the user permission database; determining whether to authorize the unauthenticated transaction based on the user privilege level, the graph permission level and authorization from another distributed processor of the two or more distributed processors; and providing temporary encryption keys to the user equipment responsive to a first determination that the unauthenticated transaction is authorized.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the user privilege level is provided via an independent path.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the temporary encryption keys enable the user equipment to decipher node/edge information associated with the one or more graphs.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the determining whether to authorize the unauthenticated transaction requires unanimous authorization from the two or more distributed processors.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise providing a deny result to the user equipment responsive to a second determination that the unauthenticated transaction is prohibited.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising receiving an identifier for every node/edge of the one or more graphs that store data responsive to the unauthenticated transaction.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the unauthenticated transaction comprises: viewing a first data of two or more nodes in a first graph of the one or more graphs, adding a new node to the first graph, defining an edge between a first node and a second node in the first graph, modifying data of the first node in the first graph, changing the graph permission level of the first graph, or a combination thereof.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the modifying comprises joining the first node in the first graph to a third node in a second graph.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein comparing further comprises ensuring that the user privilege level meets or exceeds a node permission level of the data.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the joining further comprises defining a supergraph comprising nodes of the first graph and the second graph and creating a new graph permission level of the supergraph.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the joining comprises adding an edge between the first node to the second node.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the joining further comprises merging the first node in the first graph with the second node in the second graph, wherein the merging adds edges of the second node to the first node, adds data of the second node to the first node, adds edges of the first node to the second node, and adds data of the first node to the second node.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the operations further comprise recording the supergraph in the blockchain ledger.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein operations further comprise authenticating the blockchain ledger and reconciling a new permission level for the supergraph.
 15. A method, comprising: receiving, by at least one distributed processor, an unauthenticated transaction from a user equipment to access data stored by one or more graphs; retrieving, by the at least one distributed processor, a graph permission level provided by a plurality of node/edge custodians for the one or more graphs; retrieving, by the at least one distributed processor, a user privilege level from a user permission database; determining, by the at least one distributed processor, whether to authorize the unauthenticated transaction based on the user privilege level, the graph permission level, and authorization from at least one additional distributed processor; and providing, by the at least one distributed processor, temporary encryption keys to the user equipment responsive to a first determination that the unauthenticated transaction is authorized.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the unauthenticated transaction comprises viewing first data of one or more nodes in the one or more graphs, adding a new node to a first graph of the one or more graphs, modifying data of a first node in the first graph, changing the graph permission level of the first graph, or a combination thereof.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the unauthenticated transaction comprises defining a supergraph comprising nodes of a first graph and a second graph of the one or more graphs; and creating a new graph permission level for the supergraph.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising recording, by the distributed processor, the supergraph in a blockchain ledger.
 19. A non-transitory, machine-readable medium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a distributed processing system including two or more processors, facilitate performance of operations, the operations comprising: receiving an unauthenticated transaction from a user equipment to access data stored by the one or more graphs; retrieving a graph permission level provided by a plurality of node/edge custodians for the one or more graphs; retrieving a user privilege level from a user permission database; determining whether to authorize the unauthenticated transaction based on the user privilege level and the graph permission level; and providing temporary encryption keys to the user equipment responsive to a determination that the unauthenticated transaction is authorized.
 20. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the operations further comprise: defining a supergraph comprising nodes of a first graph and a second graph of the one or more graphs; creating a new graph permission level for the supergraph; and recording the supergraph in a blockchain ledger. 